Glimpse into Great China

A seasoned traveler’s tale of adventure is not complete without the Oriental experience. One of the most exciting places in the Orient is China. Once considered an overpopulated and economically lagging country, China today is the brightest star among the constellation of powerful and rich countries. You don’t want to miss the opportunity of exploring the “Middle Country.”

It is a totally different world of cultural treasures, dramatic and shocking historical accounts, varying traditions across provinces, unforgettable landscapes, sacred mountains, and many more delights for your eyes. Though the country today is buzzing with metropolises, China retains its distinctly Chinese identity despite the influence of Western culture.

Where to go

China ’s charms never fail to work their wonders on tourists. With around 26 million tourists from all over the world, this Land of the Red Dragon can offer an itinerary of mixed nature adventure, historical regression, and modern conveniences. Here are some great spots to check out:

Army of Terracotta Warrior or Bingmayong- You often see the statues of warriors in history books, now is the time to see them in person! These 2000-year-old well-preserved army figures are believed to be a part of the tomb of Qin Shihuang, the first emperor of the Qin Dynasty.

Forbidden City- Anything forbidden becomes more attractive. Having been off-limits for 500 years, these ancient buildings today are one of the most frequently visited tourist spots in the country. They city was home to the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasty.

Grand Buddha- How about a religious picnic on the nail of the toe of the largest Buddha in the world? The construction of this giant Buddha began back in AD 713 to protect the boatmen from swift and lethal water currents. You may feel like an ant when you’re near this structure. Its mind-blowing size makes it picture perfect in contrast with the objects around it.

Great Wall of China- Is there anything more that has to be said about the only man-made structure visible from outer space? Everybody knows the Great Wall of China and the stamina required to travel its full length. It was built to defend against the Mongolians and it has undergone restoration to retain its shape. (Its rated no.3 in the list of the Top Ten Asian tourist destinations that you must visit)

What to do

As China has lots of rough natural landscapes composed of mountains and rocks, your trip is not complete without a hike or trek in areas like the Everest Base Camp and the Great Wall. You can also enjoy heights while rock climbing in the Guangxi province or sail through the water on a river cruise at the Three Gorges Dam in Yangtze.

If you like exploring caves and the treasures inside, be sure to head for the Yellow Dragon Cave and Yangshuo’s Silver Cave to touch the stalagmites and stalactites present. You can also hit up beaches at Sanya on China ’s southern coast. Hotels, fine sand beaches, water sports and coconut palms surround Hainan Island as well.

What to remember

As China is vast and spans across different climate zones, you will experience various climates across the country. The north is generally dry and cold during winter. In the south, the weather is hot and humid in summer. The type of clothing you will need depends on the climate in the part of China where you are heading.

Aside from your clothing, another tool you will need to experience the fullness of China is the language. Not many Chinese speak English. Try to become familiar with the basic phrases and common characters like those for public areas and utilities. (Learn how to count in chinese)

Today, more than ever, China ’s tourism industry is attracting people from all over the world. Not only can you enjoy cheap merchandise and modern shopping conveniences, but you can also get a taste of the country’s rich and colorful history.

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